Not only was Schwartz unsure about when his receiver would return, but the coach was noncommittal about Young playing again this season.

"It's more of when he gets back with the team, if he gets back with the team, but it's more of when he gets back with the team, and the behavior he does then," Schwartz said when asked what kind of behavior Young needed to exhibit to rejoin the Lions.

Schwartz was also asked if Young may not play again this season, and his answer was very direct.

"Potentially," Schwartz said. "This is a decision who the best 46 were on Sunday (this past week against the Houston Texans). That will continue to be evaluated. There's been times he's been very productive in our offense. He's been an asset for our offense, an asset for our team. That's where he needs to get back to."

Young, a second-round pick in 2011, has been problematic for the Lions, particularly since he had nine receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks on October 28 this season.

When Detroit played against the Green Bay Packers, Young incorrectly lined up in the slot, and tight end Tony Scheffler was the outside receiver to his left. Lions left tackle Riley Reiff looked up and yelled at Young to get into the correct position, but was ignored. Scheffler tried to get back into the slot position, but Young shook off the tight end. As a result of the confusion, Lions right tackle Gosder Cherilus jumped offsides.

"The team and he both needed a little time away," Schwartz said. "It's not the same with the other inactive guys. Again, it's not going to be based on what he does away from here. It's what he does when he's here with the team."